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Spinning Top Mezcal Cocktail

Introduce yourself to the latest drink sensation with this spinning top mezcal cocktail. It’s got amazing depth of flavor with a smoky touch.

Have you heard about the latest trend in spirits? Say hello to Mezcal, aka Tequila’s cousin. This is NOT your frat-party-worm-in-the-bottle Mezcal, though. Mezcal has become popular recently, for it’s small batch, high quality, complex flavor, that can be sipped and savored, or mixed into sophisticated cocktails.

Perhaps the most distinguishing characteristic of this liquor is its smoky flavor. That idea appealed to me very much since I don’t tend to drink overly sweet or “girly” cocktails. When I saw Pati Jinich’s demonstration of a spinning top cocktail, I knew I wanted to create my own version.

I tweaked a few of the steps and came up with this “spin” on the spinning top Mezcal cocktail. I urge you to give this one a try!

As I mentioned above, don’t waste your money or taste buds on “cheap” mezcal with the worm (larvae actually) floating in the bottom. Just like tequila, you want a good bottle of Mezcal that you can also sip on. I picked up this bottle of Los Amantes Joven based on it’s very high rating – “an example of the very best in its class” – and it does not disappoint!

The cocktail is similar to a margarita in the way it has a citrusy, not-too-sweet flavor. It’s the kind of drink you want for happy hour, a cocktail party, or for sipping by the pool. The balance of slightly sweet from the pineapple and the slightly sour from the pink grapefruit marries beautifully with the smoky flavor of the Mezcal. Enjoy!

Spinning Top Mezcal Cocktail

1 1/2 oz. Mezcal liquor

1 oz. pineapple juice

3 oz. pink grapefruit soda (it has a fizz to it)

Combine ingredients over ice and pour into rimmed glass.

Salt Mix

salt

brown sugar or raw sugar

chili powder

lime juice

Combine equal parts (or to your taste) of each of the spices; dip rim of glass in lime juice and then into salt mixture.

Let glass rest upside down for a couple of minutes to set.

Garnish with a sprig of thyme if you like.

NOTE: Don’t skimp on the flavorful salt mixture. It really adds an interesting twist to the classic salt rim.

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Meet Chris

Chris Nease is a party stylist and home entertaining expert with over 15 years of experience. In addition to her work as founding editor of Celebrations At Home, Chris is an editorial stylist and has contributed to Homes.com, SheKnows, and countless other websites. Most recently she was featured in Celebrate magazine, and her work has been published in Woman's World, Ocala Style, Yum Food & Fun for Kids, and Cottages & Bungalows.